Community Matters

The Building Better Opportunities programme is funded by Big Lottery Fund and the European Social Fund (ESF) who are co-investing in local projects tackling the root causes of worklessness, promoting social inclusion and driving local jobs and growth.

Community Matters is one of four projects within this programme across the Black Country and will help people across Walsall, Wolverhampton, Dudley and Sandwell move into or closer to employment by developing their skills and confidence.

Community Matters is managed by the Heart of England Community Foundation in partnership with 22 local organisations across the Black Country.

SWEDA is one of those partners. We will be working alongside the following partners to deliver the project; Access to Business, Age UK Walsall, Ashley Community Housing Ltd, Bilston Resource Centre, Black Country Housing Group, Dudley Caribbean and Friends Association, Groundwork West Midlands, Ideal For All, Just Straight Talk, Kids in Communication, Manor Farm Community Association, Refugee and Migrant Centre, SEWA Centre Ltd, Summit House Support, TLC College, Walsall Adult and Community College, Walsall Housing Group, WELL Associates, Workers Educational Association (WEA) and Zebra Access.

SWEDA will be delivering the following specific activities:

One to one coaching and mentoring with a qualified advisor

Group sessions

Building confidence and skills

Job search support including Universal Job Match.

IT Training – from basics to advanced skills

Budgeting support and saving money

Exploring Self-employment as an option out of unemployment

For more information about Community Matters Programme please contact

Hayley Champion – 0121 525 2558

For more information about the Community Matters programme please email

Skills, Work and Enterprise Development Agency (SWEDA)
The Business Centre, Church Street, West Bromwich B70 8RP
SWEDA established in 1989 provides services supporting local people into employment, self-employment and social enterprise development